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f  7  3- 

21  y  r  ^ 


SECOND 

ANNUAL  REPORT 


OF  THE 


GENERAL  UNION 


FOR 


PROMOTING  THE  OBSERVANCE  OF  THE 


CHRISTIAN  SABBATH. 


Adopted  May  11,  IMO. 


NEW  YORK : 

PRINTED  BY  SLEIGHT  AND  ROBINSON, 
No.  26  W  illiam  Street. 

1830. 


SECOND  REPORT 

OF  . 

THE  GENEMAIi  UNION* 

AND 

PROCEEDINGS 

AT 

THE  ANNUAL  MEETING.  ' 


The  General  Union  for  promoting  the  Observance  of  the  Christian 
Sabbath,  held  its  second  anniversary  on  Tuesday,  at  10  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  in  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  Nassau-street.  In  the  absence 
of  the  President, 

The  chair  was  taken  by  Dr.  John  Stearns. 

Prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Mark  Tucker,  of  Troy. 

The  Annual  Report  of  the  Executive  Committee  was  read  by  Mr. 
Lewis  Tappan,  Corresponding  Secretary. 

On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Brodhead,  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  this  city,  seconded  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hillyer,  of  New  Jersey, 
it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  report  just  read  be  adopted,  and  that  the  same 
be  published  under  the  direction  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

A  letter  v/as  read  from  the  Hon.  William  Jay,  President  of  the 
Society,  stating  his  reasons  for  declining  a  re-election  ;  that  he  feels 
undiminished  confidence  in  the  Union,  but  being  unable  to  render 
active,  personal  services,  he  is  unwilling  to  occupy  a  station  that  may 
be  filled  by  one  whose  nearer  residence  to  the  city  will  enable  him 
to  be  an  efficient  head  of  so  important  an  institution.  Whereupon 
it  was  unanimously  voted. 

That  the  thanks  of  this  Union  be  returned  to  Hon.  William  Jay, 
for  his  services  the  past  year. 

The  Treasurer's  report  was  read,  by  which  it  appeared,  that  there 
was  a  balance  due  him  of  fifty-six  dollars  and  eleven  cents. 

Resolved,  That  Rev.  Messrs.  Williston  and  Squire  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  subscription  paper,  to  be  laid  on  the  table  for  the  sub= 
scriptions  of  all  disposed  to  contribute  to  the  funds  of  the  Society, 

! 


2. 


liesolvedy  That  (he  members  of  the  Society  be  eamestiy  requested, 
on  returning  to  their  homes,  to  open  subscriptions  in  aid  of  the  Union^ 
and  to  forward  the  amount  to  Mr,  Arthur  Tappan,  Treasurer,  with  as 
Httle  delay  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  the  6th  article  of  the  Constitution  be  amended,  by 
adding  the  words,    and  promise  to  sanctify  the  Sabbath" 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Bangs,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  offered 
the  two  following  resolutions,  which  he  sustained  in  an  impressive 
address  : 

>  1.  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  formation  and  proceedings  of  the 

/  General  Union,  and  the  good  it  has  effected,  this  meeting  would 
devoutly  thank  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  and  commend  to  his  provi- 
dential care  and  direction  the  future  efforts  of  the  Society  and  its  aux- 
iliaries. 

2.  Resolved,  That  we  regard  the  Christian  Sabbath  as  a  Divine  in^ 
stitution  of  universal  and  perpetual  obligation,  binding  upon  govern- ' 
ments  as  well  as  individuals  ;  and  that  upon  its  sanctification  depend, 
under  God,  our  social,  civil,  and  religious  privileges.* 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  by  Thomas  Bradford,  jun, 
Esq.  of  Philadelphia,  accompanied  by  an  interesting  address. 

3.  Resolved,  That  sabbath-breaking  is  one  of  our  national  sins^  ex» 
posing  us  to  the  Divine  displeasure,  and  endangering  our  most  valua 
ble  poiitkal  and  religious  institutions ;  and  that  upon  ministers  and 
churches  of  different  denominations  devolve  the  solemn  obligation  of 
rescuing  the  Sabbath  from  profanation  and  oblivion. 

The  next  Resolution  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Wisner,  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.  as  follows  :  '  • 

4.  Resolved,  That  the  law  of  this  land  requiring  the  profanation  of 
the  Christian  sabbath,  and  its  violation  by  so  many  of  the  people,  calls 
loudly  upon  the  friends  of  civil  and  religious  liberty  to  humble  them- 
selves before  God,  and  by  prayers  and  supplications  seek  the  aid  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  turn  the  hearts  of  our  citizens  to  the  religion  of  their 
fathers,  that  the  deserved  wrath  of  the  Almighty  may  be  averted^  and 
our  country  continue  to  enjoy  its  inestimable  privileges. 

Dr.  B.  remarked,  that  it  was  an  embarrassing  consideration  to  him, 
that  there  should  exist,  in  this  Christian  land,  a  necessity  for  calling  a 
meeting  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  an  observance  of  the  holy  sabbath. 
He  thought  it  a  reproach  to  our  nation,  that  there  should  be  found  an  occa- 
sion for  bringing  into  existence  Temperance  Societies  and  Sabbath  Ob- 
servance Societies,  &c. ;  the  reproach,  however,  rested  not  upon  tlm 
frioTids.  but  upon  the  enemies  of  these  institotion?. 


Rev.  Mr.  Wisner  addressed  the  audience  with  soieninity  aiid  ear- 
aestness.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  of  Virginia,  who 
moved  the  following  resolution  : 

5.  Resolved,  TIxbX  we  earnestly  recommend  the  formation  of  auxilia- 
ries  throughout  the  United  States ;  the  diffusion  of  appeals  on  behalf  of 
the  Sabbath  ;  the  collection  of  funds  for  the  employm.ent  of  agents  ; 
the  union  of  Christians  of  every  denomination  in  this  common  cause  : 
the  active  and  persevering  labours  of  the  friends  of  the  Sabbath  in 
promoting  its  observance  in  every  part  of  the  country. 

Dr.  Rice  made  a  few  remarks,  that  were  listened  to  with  much  in^ 
terest. 

He  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Codman,  of  Massachusetts,  who 
proposed  the  resolution  following,  which  was  seconded  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Todd,  of  Massachusetts  : 

6.  Resolved,  That  we  learn  with  high  satisfaction  the  efforts  now 
making  in  Great  Britain  to  promote  the  observance  of  the  Christian 
Sabbath ;  and  we  wish  abundant  success  to  every  exertion  to  extend 
the  influence  of  the  Sabbath  cause  throughout  the  civilized  world. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Cox,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  offered  the  last 
resolution,  which  was  seconded  by  the  Rev.  C.  G.  Somers,  of  the 
Baptist  denomination,  as  follov/s  : 

7.  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Society  being  conscien- 
tiously opposed,  as  citizens  of  a  free  country,  and  as  Christians,  to  any 
union  of  church  and  state,  and  all  laws  tor  the  observance  or  the  de- 
secration of  the  Sabbath ;  will  continue  to  recomm_end  its  sanctification 
only  by  the  influence  of  personal  example  ;  of  moral  suasion ;  with 
arguments  drawn  from  the  oracles  of  God ;  from  the  existing  laws  of 
our  countiy ;  appeals  to  the  consciences  and  hearts  of  men  :  and  fer- 
"-^ent  supplications  to  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath. 

The  meeting  was  closed  by  singing  the  anthem,  From  all  that 
-dwell  beneath  the  skies,"  &;c.,  the  whole  audience  rising  ;  and  by  a 
benediction  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rice. 

It  is  believed  that  a  very  happy  impression  was  made,  at  this  meet- 
ing, in  favour  of  a  more  strict  and  holy  observance  of  the  Sabbath, 
especially  by  those  who  profess  to  be  Christians. 

At  a  meeting  for  the  choice  of  officers  for  the  ensuing  year,  which 
immediately  followed, 

The  Hon.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen  was  elected  President,  and  the 
Hon.  Messrs.  William  Jay,  of  New  York,  Thomas  S.  Grimke,  of 
South  Carolina,  and  Thomas  M'Creery.  of  Pennsvlvania.  were  added 
to  the  list  of  Vice-Presidents. 


4 


REPORT  OF  THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE, 
By  the  constitution  of  this  Society  it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  Exe^ 
cutive  Committee  to  make  an  annual  report  of  their  proceedings. 
In  performing  this  official  act  on  the  present  occasion,  they  recognise, 
with  devout  gratitude,  the  preservation  of  the  lives  of  all  the  officers; 
save  one,  during  the  past  year.  We  have  to  lament  the  death  of  the 
Rev.  Mathias  Bruen,  the  late  Corresponding  Secretary,  from  whose 
pen  and  lips  the  Society  was  favoured  with  the  Report  of  the  first 
Anniversary,  and  who  was  soon  after  arrested  in  his  bright  career, 
and  suddenly  cut  down  in  the  midst  of  life,  activity,  and  usefulness. 
By  this  event  the  republic  of  letters,  the  institutions  of  benevo- 
lence, and  the  church  of  God,  mourn  the  departure  of  a  gifted  mind, 
a  philanthropic  heart,  and  a  devoted  minister  of  Christ.  He  took 
a  deep  interest  in  the  sanctification  of  the  Christian  Sabbath,  and 
possessed  a  keenness  of  observation,  and  a  sensitiveness  of  feel- 
ing, in  noticing  its  violation,  especially  when  the  delinquency  occur- 
red with  professed  friends  of  Christianity.  These  principles  and 
feelings  were  maintained  until  the  end  of  life  ;  for  on  the  bed  of  death 
it  was  his  solemn  charge  that  his  children  should  be  educated  in  the 
strictest  observance  of  the  Lord's  day. 

In  compliance  with  the  resolution  adopted  at  the  last  anniversaryj 
the  first  Annual  Report  was  published,  with  the  Constitution  as 
amended,  and  the  Resolutions  adopted  at  the  meeting,  and  5000  co- 
pies were  distributed  in  various  parts  of  our  country.  The  commit- 
tee trust  that  the  sentiments  thus  spread  abroad  have  had  a  salutary 
influence  upon  the  minds  of  many  of  their  countrymen,  and  have  had 
responses  in  the  hearts  of  multitudes  who  feel  that  the  continuance  of 
our  civil  and  religious  privileges  depends,  under  God,  upon  the  pro- 
per observance  of  His  holy  Sabbath.. 

So  far  as  the  Executive  Committee  are  informed,  the  removal  of 
the  pledge  from  the  Constitution  has  given  general  satisfaction  to  the 
members  of  the  Society.  The  right,  and  even  duty,  under  some  cir- 
cumstances, of  Christians  pledging  themselves  to  discourage  specific 
modes  of  breaking  the  Sabbath,  and  combining  to  encourage  those 
who  honour  it,  is  not  questioned  by  the  Committee.  Nor  can  it  be 
denied  that  these  pledges  are  lawful  and  efficient  instruments  of 
breaking  up  associations,  in  many  places,  which  disturb  the  peace 
and  quietness  of  communities,  and  spread  a  baneful  influence  among 
the  inhabitants.  But  it  was  deemed  inexpedient  for  a  Society,  estab- 
lished for  the  whole  country?  to  specify  a  few  outward  acts  from  which 


5 


Tiie  members  should  obstain,  or  which  they  would  promote,  while 
they  aimed  chiefly  at  inculcating  the  obhgation  of  sanctifying  the 
Sabbath  in  all  the  length  and  breadth  of  moral  obligation.  Experi- 
ence has  shown  the  wisdom  of  the  main  principles  of  the  General 
Union  ;  that  in  its  collective  capacity  it  should  abstain  from  all  coer- 
cive measures,  interfering  with  the  occupations  of  their  fellow-citi- 
zens, and  aim  at  influencing  and  reforming  solely  by  example,  argu- 
ments, and  prayer. 

The  other  amendment  of  the  Constitution,  providing  that  the  con- 
tribution of  funds,  at  the  discretion  of  the  donor,  shall  constitute  mem- 
bership,  has  not  been  attended  with  the  immediate  advantages  antici- 
pated. A  few  persons  made  voluntary  donations,  but  nothing  of 
consequence  has  been  received  from  Auxiharies ;  and  the  whole 
amount  of  receipts  has  been  insufficient  to  defray  the  expense  of 
publishing  the  last  annual  report.  Funds  are  wanted  for  the  diffu- 
sion of  publications  on  the  subject  of  the  Sabbath,  and  for  the  ex- 
penses of  an  Agent  whenever  one  shall  enter  upon  the  duties  of  that 
office.  But  experience  shows  that  funds  will  not  be  contributed 
spontaneously,  or  even  after  solicitation,  until  specific  objects  are 
presented  to  the  community,  and  the  claims  of  the  Society  enforced 
by  the  instrumentality  of  an  efficient  agency. 

Early  in  the  year  the  Executive  Committee  issued  a  Circular  in- 
viting public  attention  to  the  great  purposes  for  which  the  Union  was 
formed ;  soliciting  funds  for  the  purpose  of  printing  and  circulating 
essays ;  employing  special  and  general  agents,  and  in  other  ways  ex- 
erting a  just  influence  upon  the  public  mind;  recommending  that 
Auxiharies  be  formed  in  every  city,  town,  and  village,  in  the  country; 
and  expressing  a  hope  that  constant  and  fervent  supplications  would 
be  offered  to  the  Lord  of  the  sabbath  to  bless  the  efforts  now  making 
on  behalf  of  this  sacred  day.  It  is  feared  that  this  address  had  limit- 
ed circulation,  and  but  transient  effect. 

But  six  Auxiliaries  have  been  officially  reported  the  past  year ; 
the  whole  number  being  twenty-six,  viz :  four  in  Massachusetts,  one 
in  Vermont,  three  in  Connecticut,  five  in  New  York,  two  in  New 
Jersey,  seven  in  Pennsylvania,  one  in  Virginia,  one  in  Tennessee, 
and  two  in  Ohio. 

Immediately  after  the  last  anniversar}^,  the  Executive  Committee, 
at  their  first  meeting,  appointed  the  Rev.  Drs.  Edwards,  Sharp,  and 
Fisk,  agents  of  the  General  Union.  After  a  deliberate  consideration 
of  the  subject,  these  gentlemen  deemed  it  their  duty  to  decline  ac- 
<^epting  the  appointment.    The  death  of  the  Corresponding  Secreta- 


ry  intervening,  a  meeting  of  the  Board  oi""  Managers  was  held  to  sap- 
ply  the  vacancy.  They  made  choice  of  Rev.  Charles  P.  M^Ilvaine, 
and  on  his  declining,  from  the  multiplicity  of  his  engagements,  the 
Committee  appointed  him  Agent,  with  a  liberal  salary,  in  the  hope 
that  he  would  devote  his  whole  time  to  the  duties  of  the  office.  After 
prayerful  deliberation,  this  gentleman  believed  it  incumbent  on  him 
not  to  accept  the  appointment.  The  Committee  next  selected  Rev. 
Dr.  Bangs,  and  entertained  an  expectation  that  he  would  accept,  but 
he  considered  it  inconsistent  with  the  duty  he  owed  the  Church  with 
which  he  is  connected  in  the  station  occupied  by  him.  On  his  re- 
commendation the  Rev.  Samuel  Merwin  was  appointed,  who  would 
have  accepted  the  appointment  had  he  not  been  prevented  by  ill 
health.  These  distinguished  clergymen,  of  different  denominations 
of  Christians,  although  unable  to  assume  the  responsible  and  arduous 
duty  of  Agents,  have  borne  decided  testimony  to  the  great  importance 
of  the  General  Union. 

It  being  understood  by  the  Committee  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Porter, 
of  Massachusetts,  intended  passing  the  winter  in  the  Southern  States^ 
they  requested  him  to  promote  the  objects  of  this  Society  as  his 
health  and  opportunity  should  permit.  In  a  letter,  dated  January  4th, 
he  says,  "  Soon  after  my  arrival,  I  prepared  a  resolution  on  the  sab- 
bath cause  that  was  adopted  by  the  Presbytery  of  Charleston  and 
vicinity.  I  also  wrote  to  the  Synod  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia, 
which  met  at  Savannah,  and  opened  and  urged  this  subject,  some- 
what at  large.  The  result  was  the  unanimous  adoption  of  some  good 
resolutions.  One  of  them  went  directly  to  pledge  the  efforts  of  that 
body,  for  the  formation  of  local  sabbath  unions,  in  the  congregatioUvS 
of  both  these  States." 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Milnor  of  this  city,  has  also  been  authorized  and  re- 
quested to  represent  this  Society  during  his  present  visit  to  Europe. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  preceding  statements,  that  besides  commis- 
sioning temporary  agents,  the  Executive  Committee  have  exerted 
themselves  to  secure  the  services  of  an  agent  who  should  devote  his 
time  exclusively  to  the  interests  of  the  General  Union.  They  deeply 
feel  the  importance  of  having  one  or  more  capable  and  efficierit 
agents  to  visit  different  parts  of  the  country,  to  address  the  people, 
especially  the  churches  ;  to  organize  auxiliaries,  and  to  promote  the 
general  objects  of  the  institution.  "  An  agent  is  wanted,"  to  use  the 
words  of  a  correspondent,  "  who  is  capable,  not  merely  of  making 
a  strong  impression,  but  who  understands  the  great  principles  of  the 
human  mind,  which  the  ordinance  of  the  Sabbath  was  designed,  and 


IS  adapted  to  aftect  ;  and  who  can  rightly  influence,  iirst  the  mmis- 
ters,  and  then  the  churches  of  all  denominations,  on  this  fundamental 
and  infinitely  momentous  subject."  It  is  believed  that  such  a  man 
%vould  meet  a  cordial  reception,  and  be  instrumental  of  much  usefaL 
ness.  Until  such  an  agent  is  raised  up,  and  enters  upon  the  work, 
the  influence  of  the  Society  must  be  circumscribed,  and  the  enemies 
of  the  Sabbath  be  supposed  by  the  prejudiced  and  unreflecting,  to 
have  gained  a  signal  triumph.  The  committee  trust  that  fei-vent 
supplications  will  be  made  to  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  to  designate 
one  who  shall,  as  the  representative  of  the  Union,  be  enabled  to  vin- 
dicate His  cause,  and  to  carry  on  the  operations  of  the  Society,  under 
the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Meantime,  it  is  a  subject  of  thank- 
fulness  that  so  much  has  been  accomplished  ;  that  the  Sabbath  has 
been  presented  as  a  subject  of  paramount  importance  ;  that  its  claims 
have  been  ably  vindicated  ;  that  the  attention  of  Christians  has  been 
directed  to  the  delinquencies  of  the  churches,  and  of  the  people  : 
and  that  a  spirit  of  reform  has  gone  forth  in  many  places. 

Information  has  been  received,  that  the  friends  of  the  Sabbath  in 
Great  Britain  are  introducing  into  that  Idngdom  similar  measures. 
A  Society  has  been  fonned,  styled  the  Coventry  Sabbath  Observ- 
ance Society,"  which  has  published  an  appeal  to  the  friends  of  reli- 
gion and  good  order,  on  the  establishment  of  associations  for  pro- 
moting the  observance  of  the  Christian  Sabbath.  They  have  re» 
published  the  address  issued  by  this  union  at  its  formation,  and  our 
first  amiual  report,  with  the  resolutions  adopted  at  the  meeting. 

We  rejoice  to  find,"  says  eqi  English  pubhcation,  "  that  the  minis- 
ters of  religion,  and  the  Christian  people  of  England,  are  at  length 
aroused  to  the  subject,  and  we  hope  and  fully  expect,  that  associations., 
having  the  same  object  in  view,  will  be  established  in  every  town 
and  village  in  the  country.  The  meeting  of  this  Society,  held  last 
night  at  the  Albion  chapel,  was  one  of  the  finest  meetings  ever  held 
in  England,  and  we  know  of  none  so  likely  to  promote  a  revival  of 
religion.  The  persons  who  spoke  at  the  meeting  were  justly  distin- 
guished for  talent  and  energy  ;  but  the  honesty  and  manly  frank- 
ness which  they  manifested,  and  their  reprobation  of  the  vices  of 
those  in  authority,  do  them  great  honour." 

Public  attention  has  been  drawn  to  the  renewed  movements, 
throughout  this  country,  in  memoriahzing  the  Congress  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  to  repeal  the  law  requiring  all  the  post-offices  to  be  open- 
ed a  portion  of  every  Sabbath,  and  to  authorize  the  Post  Master 
General  to  arrange  the  mails  so  that  they  mav  not  be  transported  on 


that  day.  Many  of  these  memorials  have  been  published,  and  they 
utter  essentially  the  same  sentiments  ;  asserting  the  divine  authority 
of  the  Christian  Sabbath  ;  that  its  observance  is  obligatory  upo  n  na- • 
tions  as  well  as  individuals  ;  that  on  a  due  respect  for  the  day,  de-- 
pend  the  excellence  and  perpetuity  of  our  social,  civil,  and  religious 
privileges  ;  and  that  the  judgments  of  God  may  justly  be  expected 
upon  this  nation,  if  His  institutions  are  not  honoured.  In  presenting 
these  solemn  truths,  the  petitioners  appear  to  have  regarded  their 
constitutional  privileges  ;  observed  the  decorum  due  to  the  Legisla- 
tive authority  of  the  land ;  preserved  the  self-respect  and  moral 
courage  of  Christian  freemen,  contending  for  their  unalienable 
rights ;  been  actuated  by  patriotic,  no  less  than  moral  considera- 
tions ;  and  shown  conclusively  that  it  is  the  bounden  duty  of  Con- 
gress to  repeal  the  obnoxious  law,  and  to  refrain  in  all  respects  from 
legislative  enactments  that  interfere  with  the  religious  principles  and 
usages  of  a  vast  majority  of  the  citizens  of  this  Christian  land. 

The  Executive  Committee,  representing  this  General  Union,  and 
acting  as  they  believe  in  accordance  with  the  views  of  its  membersy 
have  not  deemed  it  their  duty  to  take  any  official  part  in  the  recent 
excitement  on  the  subject  of  Sunday  post-offices  and  Sunday  mails. 
They  have,  however,  witnessed  with  deep  interest,  the  spontaneous 
expression  of  public  sentiment,  from  various  parts  of  the  country  on 
this  subject ;  and  have  attended  to  the  arguments  used  by  the  friends 
and  opposers  of  the  memorials.  It  is  impossible  not  to  view  this 
powerful  and  extensive  movement  as  an  evidence  of  the  sensibility 
of  the  reflecting  and  serious  part  of  the  community,  when  theii- 
most  sacred  and  invaluable  institutions  are  invaded,  and  the  rights  of 
conscience  are  infringed. 

The  present  law,  adopted  on  the  eve  of  the  late  war  with  Great 
Britain,  requires  post-masters  throughout  the  United  States,  to  keep 
their  offices  open  for  business  on  the  first  day  of  the  week  ;  and  thus 
involves  the  necessity,  in  the  opinion  of  the  head  of  the  post-of- 
fice department,  for  the  transportation  of  mails  on  the  great  routes, 
during  the  same  sacred  season.  This  law,  continued  in  time  of 
peace,  and  defended  as  necessarily  incorporated  into  the  permanent 
code  of  the  nation,  besides  the  enormous  evils  of  an  immoral  nature 
which  it  brings  upon  the  community,  is  an  alarming  precedent,  which 
may  be  hereafler  used  with  baneful  effect,  for  requiring  public  busi= 
ness  to  be  transacted  on  the  Christian  Sabbath,  in  every  other  depart^ 
ment  of  government.  By  such  Uws,  those  citizens  who  reverence 
the  institotion8  of  Christianity,  will  he  excluded  from  places  of  pub- 


lie  tiust ;  ail  odious  test  act  be  virtually  established  in  this  Repub- 
lic ;  and  the  government  multiply  examples  of  violating  the  law  of 
God. 

The  committee  trust  that  when  this  important  subject  shall  be  dis- 
passionately  examined  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  hf 
their  constituents,  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists,  will  appear  both 
reasonable  and  just.  And  while  it  is  so  important  that  truth  exerts  a 
salutary  influence,  the  existence  of  this  society  must  be  deemed 
highly  auspicious  as  a  bond  of  union  to  the  various  denominations  of 
Christians,  and  of  all  who  value  the  precious  inheritance  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty  received  from  our  fathers,  that  by  their  united  exam- 
ple and  exertions,  they  may  enhghten  the  public  mind,  and  move  the 
hearts  and  consciences  of  the  people,  the  source,  under  God,  of  po- 
litical power  in  this  country.  The  hope  is  indulged  that  this  society, 
and  its  auxiliaries,  while  they  freely  exercise  their  constitutional 
rights,  will  faithfully  adhere  to  the  principle  of  the  General  Union, 
and  to  the  divine  system  upon  which  it  is  founded  ;  and  that  they  will 
contribute  to  disabuse  the  public  of  the  jealousies  and  misappre- 
hensions that  exist ;  to  frustrate  the  attempt  to  deepen  sectarian 
prejudices  ;  be  instrumental  in  diffusing  light  and  knowledge,  in  dis- 
pelling ignorance,  in  vindicating  the  rights  of  conscience,  and  in 
showing  the  people  of  these  States,  that  those  who  contend  most  ear- 
nestly for  the  supremacy  of  the  Lawgiver  of  the  universe,  and  his 
institutions,  are  themselves  examples  of  patriotism,  virtue,  and 
holiness. 

The  committee  would  here  make  honourable  mention  of  tiie  good 
already  achieved,  through  the  instrumentality  of  those  ministers  and 
laymen,  who  have  stood  forth  as  the  champions  of  the  Christian  Sab- 
bath. Many  laymen,  distinguished  by  their  abilities  and  high  char- 
acters, have  pubhcly  appeared  as  the  friends  to  an  institution,  dear  to 
tliem  as  patriots  and  Christians  ;  ministers  of  different  denominations 
have  more  zealously  than  heretofore,  from  the  pulpit  and  the  press, 
asserted  the  divine  claims,  and  endeavoured  to  influence  their  peo- 
pie,  and  the  community,  in  behalf  of  a  day  set  apart  from  the  begin- 
ning  to  the  end  of  time,  as  a  memorial  of  the  Creator's  goodness  to 
his  creatures,  and  as  a  type  of  heaven  ;  many  writers  in  the  public 
journals,  and  in  other  pubhcations,  have  spread  out  the  arguments  in 
favour  of  a  becoming  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  as  conducive  to  the 
well  being  of  society,  and  the  stability  of  our  civil  institutions  ;  and 
have  exposed  the  sophistry  and  infidelit}^  of  those  who  have  address, 
ed  theniselves  to  the  prejudices,  passions,  and  worldhness  of  that 


10 


poiilou  ot  the  community,  who  can  be  influenced  to  see^  m  ihe 
measures  taken  for  the  sanctification  of  the  Sabbath,  ao  attempt  t© 
unite  church  and  state,  and  bring  destruction  upon  this  Republic. 

In  taking  a  survey  of  the  multifarious  violations  of  God's  holy 
Sabbath  in  this  land,  and  the  course  the  nation  has  taken  in  moral 
degeneracy,  the  Christian  observer  can  only  notice  the  overt  acts  of 
transgression  on  the  surface  of  society,  leaving  out  of  the  account 
the  fearful  catalogue  of  private  transgressions  which  escape  public 
attention,  but  not  the  eye  of  Omniscience.  Time  will  not  permit  m 
enumeration  of  the  diversified  modes  in  which  the  Sabbath  is  tram.^ 
pled  under  foot  by  different  classes  of  persons.  It  may  suffice  to  say 
it  is  profaned  openly  by  all  who  do  not  acknowledge,  as  binding  upoE 
Ihemselves,  the  restraining  influence  of  Christianity;  and  by  large 
numbers  even  of  professing  Christians  who  make  no  distinction  of 
days,  except  such  as  custom  has  established^  It  is  also  far  from  be- 
ing  strictly  observed  by  many,  bearing  the  Christian  name  and  pro^ 
fession,  who  honour  the  institutions  of  the  gospel,  and  yield  to  them  a 
willing  compliance,  except  in  cases  when  a  conscientious  observance 
would  impose  inconvenient  self-denial >  or  thwart  schemes  of  worldly 
advantage.  Were  the  Lord's  day  neglected  or  abused  only  by  those 
who  scoff  at  the  religion  of  the  Son  of  God,  or  who  have  not  taken 
upon  them  the  obligations  of  Christianity,  the  union  and  prayers  of 
the  church  might  stay  the  judgements  that  seem  to  be  righteously 
suspended  over  this  guilty  land  on  account  of  this  national  sin,  from 
which  the  church  of  Christ  cannot  wash  its  hands  in  innocency. 

That  the  guilt  of  Sabbath  profanation  exists  among  those  who 
have  sworn  allegiance  to  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  is  notoriously  true. 
The  insensibility  of  professed  Christians  to  this  awful  delinquency 
may  well  fill  us  with  astonishment  and  alarm.  The  law  of  the  land,, 
requiring  a  violation  of  the  Sabbath,  has  found  advocates  in  mem» 
hers  of  churches,  in  religious  periodicals,  and  in  ministers  of  the 
gospel.  The  arms  of  avowed  enemies  to  Christianity  have  been  up- 
held  by  its  professed  friends,  and  those  calling  themselves  Christians 
have  put  into  the  hands  of  infidels,  weapons  with  which  to  assail  the 
citadel  of  their  faith.  Is  not  the  language  of  the  prophet  applicable 
to  such  men  ?  Thou  hast  despised  mine  holy  things,  and  hast  profaned 
my  Sabbaths.  Her  priests  have  violated  my  law,  and  have  profaned  mine 
holy  things;  they  have  put  no  difference  betiveen  the  holy  and  profane; 
iJiep  have  hid  their  eyes  from  my  Sahhaths,  and  I  am  profaned  among 
them.  The  sentiments  of  the  first  address  of  this  Society,  to  churches 
and  ministers,  cannot  be  too  often  repeated,  or  too  deeply  engra- 
Ten  npo'o  fhoiv  hearts'.  ■  . --r 


To  the  ministers  of  tiie  sanctuary  we  look  ibr  abstinence  from 
*Hlie  very  appearance  of  evil,"  for  vision  eye  to  eye,  and  the  Hfting 
up  together  the  voice  as  a  trumpet,  to  declare  to  this  nation  its  sin, 
and  to  warn  the  wicked  from  their  evil  way.  Jealousy  can  have  no 
|>lacehere;  we  are  all  sinking  together  ;  no  denomination  can  sur- 
Yive  the  obliteration  of  the  Sabbath." 

"  To  the  churches  of  our  Lord,  of  every  name,  redeemed  by  his 
blood,  and  associated  to  maintain  his  ordinances  and  extend  his 
causes  we  look  for  a  careful  example,  a  thorough  discipline,  and  a 
cheerful  concentration  of  their  influence,  to  form  an  efficient  publie 
sentiment  which  shall  rescue  the  Sabbath  from  profanation  and  obli- 
vion.  If  professors  of  religion  violate  the  sabbath,  who  will  observe 
it  ?  If  they  do  not  stand  forth  united  for  its  preservation,  who  will 
defend  it  ?  And  if,  for  its  violation,  "judgment  shall  begin  at  the 
house  of  God,  what  shall  the  end  be  of  them  that  know  not  God,  and 
obey  not  the  gospel  ?" 

In  view  of  the  whole  subject,  are  we  not  called  upon  by  every  high 
and  holy  motive,  to  persevere  in  our  efforts,  to  multiply  our  Auxilia- 
ries, to  be  firm  in  our  principles,  circumspect  in  our  example,  ear» 
nest  in  our  expostulations,  and  bold  in  asserting  the  divine  claims  of 
the  holy  Sabbath?  Will  not  the  converted  heathen  of  the  present 
age,  who  identify  the  sanctification  of  the  Sabbath  with  a  profession 
of  Christianity,  rise  up  in  judgment  against  professors  in  this  Christian 
land,  if  they  do  not  cease  from  secularizing  the  Lord's  day  ?  if  they 
do  not  come  out  and  be  separate  from  the  world  by  hallowing  it  ac- 
eording  to  the  commandment  ? 

To  concludco  Let  Christians,  of  every  name,  find  in  this  Society 
a  bond  of  union  amidst  the  party  dissensions  that  rend  the  church ; 
let  them  maintain  a  holy  emulation  in  keeping  with  cheerful  strict^ 
siess  this  perpetual  command  of  Almighty  God ;  let  them  pray  fer. 
vently  and  perseveringly  to  the  Lord  of  the  Sabbath  for  his  blessing 
upon  every  enlightened  effort  to  save  His  holy  day;  let  them  con^ 
tribute  of  their  substance  and  time,  to  arrest  the  mighty  evil  that  is 
spreading  its  unhallowed  influence  over  this  continent,  lest  we,  as  in- 
dividuals,  be  exposed  to  the  doom  of  that  servant  who  knew  his  Lord's 
will  and  did  it  not,  and  lest  our  beloved  country  meet  the  doom  of 
those  nations,  who,  in  renouncing  their  allegiance  to  heaven,  and 
reverence  for  the  Christian  Sabbath,  have  severed  themselves  from 
the  blessing  of  the  Governor  of  the  universe. 

"  LEWIS  TAPPAN, 

Cor,  See.      Umon.  • 

New  York,  11th  May,  A.  D,.  1830- 


APPENDIX. 

Dr.  Bangs  said  the  existence  of  the  Temperance  Society  is  no 
reproach  upon  its  friends,  but  upon  those  who  have  been  the  cause 
of  its  formation.  It  is  no  reproach  to  Christ  that  he  came  to  redeem 
sinners,  but  it  rests  upon  the  rebels  to  whom  he  offers  salvation.  So 
the  reproach  in  the  sabbath  cause  rests  not  upon  those  who  began 
this  Society  but  upon  the  rebels  against  God  and  good  order,  whose 
conduct  brought  it  into  existence.  Reformation  must  begin  with  minis- 
ters and  churches.  We  must  all  unite  in  this  cause.  Such  a  union  is 
no  cause  of  alarm.  He  said  it  was  the  bounden  duty  of  every  minis» 
ter  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  an  agent  of  this  Society  ;  the  duty 
of  every  magistrate  and  minister  of  justice,  Woe  be  to  that  magis- 
trate," said  he,  "  who  stoops  down  from  his  office  to  court  the  favour 
of  sabbath  breakers.  May  God  pity  iiim,  and  also  the  community 
ithere  he  lives." 


"I  consider,"  said  Mr.  Bradford,  "the  Sabbath  as  the  solace  and 
comfort  of  man,  made  for  him  by  his  benevolent  Creator.  It  has  always 
been  so  considered  by  the  wise  and  good  of  every  Christian  land, 
and  especially  so  by  the  first  settlers  of  many  of  the  states  of  this 
great  republic.  They  enacted  wholesome  laws  to  maintain  its  purity, 
and  did  not  deem  it  a  greater  infraction  of  the  liberty  of  the  subject^ 
to  punish  him  for  violatmg  the  Sabbath,  than  to  fine  or  imprison  him 
for  blaspheming  the  name  of  Almighty  God,  Christ  Jesus,  or  the 
Holy  Spirit.  The  statute  book  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  (in 
which  Mr.  B.  resides,)  as  early  as  the  year  1700,  contains  a  law. 
against  blasphemy,  William  Penn,  governor  ;  and  in  1705  a  law  was 
passed  to  restrain  people  from  labour  on  the  first  day  of  the  week. 
The  moral  law  had  some  weight  in  those  days  among  legislators, 
how  much  soever  some  modern  statesmen  affect  to  consider  it  obso- 
lete, or  only  binding  on  the  Jewish  nation.  Liberty  of  conscience 
was  well  understood  in  those  days,  and  the  fathers  of  our  nation 
judged  it  to  be  something  consistent  with  and  not  contrary  to  the  law 
of  God,  and  the  doctrines  of  the  Christian  religion.  I  will  quote  an 
old  law  of  the  state  referred  to  above,  concerning  liberty  of  con- 
science, passed  in  the  same  session  as  the  law  respecting  the  Sab- 
bath, which  maintains  this  doctrine,  viz.  *  that  no  person  who  shall 
profess  faith  in  God,  the  Father,  and  in  Jesus  Chi'ist,  his  only  Son, 
and  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  one  God,  blessed  for  evermore,  and  shall  ac- 
knowledge the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to 
be  given  by  Divine  inspiration,  and  when  lawfully  required  shall 
profess  that  they  will  live  peaceably  under  the  civil  government,  shall 
be  molested  in  his  or  her  conscientious  persuasion,  nor  be  compelled 
to  frequent  or  maintain  any  religious  worship,  place,  or  ministry 
whatsoever,  contrary  to  his  or  her  mind ;  but  shall  be  permitted 
freely  and  fully  to  enjoy  his  or  her  Christian  liherty  in  all  respects, 
without  molestation  or  interruption.' 


13 


This  was  William  Penn's  notion  of  liberty  of  conscience  and 
Christian  liberty,  and  to  such  sentiments  as  these,  common  in  those 
days  among  most  of  the  settlers  of  our  western  v/ilds,  particularly  so 
among  the  pilgrim  fathers,  with  perhaps  more  strictness  than  among 
the  disciples  of  Penn,  we  are  to  ascribe  the  wonderful  care  and  pro- 
tection of  Almighty  God  over  their  interests  and  safety.  I  believe 
that  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  this  nation  is  to  be  traced  up  to 
the  integrity  and  devoted  piety  of  the  early  settlers  cf  the  land. 

"  The  duty  of  presemng  these  blessings,  under  Providence,  de- 
volves upon  us,  their  descendants.  The  Sabbath  mmt  he  preserved. 
The  opposition  which  has  been  excited  against  our  eiiorts,  by  the 
unthinking,  the  idle,  and  the  vicious,  proves  its  value.  The  bible 
may  be  circulated,  the  missionary  may  labour  where  he  pleases,  the 
tracts  may  be  sent  to  every  hut  and  corner  in  the  land,  and  children 
may  be  instructed  by  the  pious  and  benevolent,  to  as  great  an  extent 
as  is  practicable,  and  you  may  persuade  men  to  be  sober  and  tem- 
perate by  all  your  tracts  and  speeches,  published  from  year  to  year ; 
but  this  and  much  more  excite  little  or  no  resistance  from  the  busy 
multitude.  They  are  not  hurt  or  molested ;  but  when  you  say, 
••'  Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy  v/hen  you  attempt  to 
stop  steamboats  and  stages,  pleasure-carriages,  and  particularly  the 
mail,  you  cross  the  path,  3^ou  disturb  the  peace,  and  affect  the  in- 
terests of  the  many  in  this  world,  who  look  for  comfort  and  joy  only 
in  this  fleeting,  dying  state.  We  have  attempted  a  greater  work 
than  has  ever  been  attempted  before  by  the  soldiers  of  the  cross,  and 
in  my  humble  judgment  it  requires  of  us  more  wisdom,  prudence,  and 
never-tiring  qatience,  than  any  other  benevolent  effort  in  which  the 
Christian  world  is  engaged.  I  know  that  sabbath-breaking  and  in- 
temperance lie  at  the  foundation  of  three-fourths  of  the  crime  which 
is  punished  under  our  penal  codes  ;  and  v/hat  ^.vill  be  the  moral  state 
of  that  community  where  the  Sabbath  is  profaned  and  despised,  it  is 
easy  to  feretell.  But.  are  we  pursuing  the  proper  course  to  effect 
our  object  ?  I  fear  not.  The  great  fault  to  be  remedied  is  in  the 
CJmstian  Church.  Brethren  do  not  see  eye  to  eye  in  this  matter  as 
they  ought.  Let  us  begin  with  the  house  of  God  ;  let  us  bring  the 
moral  influence  of  the  whole  church  to  bear  upon  the  world,  and 
they  seeing  how  ive  sanctify  the  Sabbath,  may  be  induced  to  ac- 
quiesce." 

Mr.  B.  hoped  the  ministers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  would  take 
the  lead  in  the  great  work  of  reformation  contemplated  by  this 
Union ;  and  if  they  discovered  reluctance,  that  public  sentiment 
would  drive  them  up  to  it. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Wisner,  in  the  course  of  his  remarks,  observed  that 
it  was  said  of  our  blessed  Saviour  that  he  was  a  perverter  of  the  na. 
tions;  and  the  names  of  the  memorialists  to  Congress  on  the  subject 
of  Sabbath  Post  Offices  and  Mails  are  now  inserted  in  the  same  in- 
dictment. 


m 


The  secretary  introduced  the  following  letter  from  Hoii, 
Theodore  FreUnghuysen  of  N.  Jersey,  now  in  Congress,  expressive  of 
his  regret  that  he  was  not  able  to  be  present  at  this  meeting  : 

"  Washington,  April  29, 1830« 
*'  Dear  Sir.  .     ,  ,  . 

"  I  regret  that  I  shall  be  detained  at  this  place  beyond  the  Anniver- 
sary of  the  Sabbath  Union.  I  hope  that  the  friends  of  this  sacred  day^ 
will  be  encouraged  and  strengthened  by  an  interchange  of  sentiments 
and  feelings.  The  cries  of  "  sectarian  encroachments  upon  the  rights 
of  conscience,"  and  of  "  unhallowed  union  of  church  and  state" 
ought  not  to  deter  from  a  firm,  temperate,  and  unshrinking  pursuit 
of  an  object  that  is  sustained  by  the  authority  of  God,  and  the  best 
interests  of  our  country.  If  proofs  were  wanting  that  the  cause  is  a 
good  one,  we  might,  I  think,  find  some,  not  entirely  equivocal,  in  the 
clamorous  and  absurd  charges  raised  against  us,  in  many  of  the 
memorials  on  this  subject.  A  stranger  to  the  country  would  suppose 
that  a  dangerous  and  dreadful  conspiracy  has  been  matured ;  and 
that  civil  liberty  and  the  freedom  of  conscience  were  about  to  fall 
before  it.  It  would  greatly  surprise  a  calm  and  dispassionate  looker.^ 
on  to  be  told  that  this  "  Christian  party"  desired  nothing  further  than 
that  the  government,  in  its  business,  would  not  interfere  with  rehgion 
so  far  as  to  break  one  of  its  fundamental  laws ;  that  it  would  be  pleased 
to  leave  the  sabbath  unimpaired  in  its  energies,  and  not  by  positive 
legislation,  require  its  desecration. 

"  If  the  efforts  of  the  Sabbath  Union  shall  accomplish  no  mo  re  than 
an  increased  reverence  for  this  Institution  among  iis  friends,  it  will 
amply  reward  their  labours. 

''With  my  best  wishes  for  your  prosperity, 
I  remain, 

"  Very  truly  yours, 
"  THEODORE  FRELINGHUYSEN. 
Lewis  Tappan,  Esq." 

Dr.  Rice  remarked  that  all  which  the  friends  of  the  Sabbath  asked^ 
in  regard  to  the  diffusion  of  appeals,  &c.  was  that  the  truth  might 
be  told. 

In  reference  to  the  4th  clause  of  the  resolution,  respecting  the 
union  of  different  denominations  in  this  enterprise,  he  remarked^ 
"Were  I  asked  the  question,  why  does  not  the  millennium  commence  ? 
I  should  be  constrained  to  answer,  because  Christians  will  not  let  it 
commence.  The  Church  is  distracted  with  sectarian  influence. 
God  will  not  suffer  this  moral  image  to  be  impressed  upon  the  hea- 
then. In  effecting  this  desirable  union  of  different  denominations, 
the  Bible  Society  has  taken  the  lead,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped,"  said  Dr, 
"  that  this  spirit  will  pervade  ail  our  benevolent  societies."  Dr.  R. 
expressed  his  apprehension,  that  one  reason  why  no  more  had  been 
accomplished  in  effecting  an  observance  of  the  Sabbath  is,  that  there 
has  not  been  enough  of  religion  brought  into  the  subject.  He  hoped 
the  Society  would  look  more  and  more  to  God  fox  help. 


The  Rev.  Dr.  Cox  had  no  objection  to  a  union  of  church  and 
state,  rightly  understood.  Let  good  men  combine,  with  truth  and 
love,  to  pour  the  Ught  of  the  gospel  into  the  minds  and  hearts  of 
our  men  in  authority,  and  all  over  whom  they  have  influence, 
and  this  will  be  a  legitimate  union  of  church  and  state.  He  illus- 
trated the  moral  influence  of  respect  and  kindness  in  the  treatment  of 
opponents  by  stating  a  conversation  he  once  had  with  a  distinguished 
citizen  on  the  subject  of  Christianity.  '  Be  wise  as  serpents  and 
harmless  as  doves/  was  the  injunction  of  him  who  spake  as  never 
man  spake.  « 


OFFICERS. 

PRESIDENT,        -      :  ,  .    .  i  .:.  -  ■ 

Hon.  Theodore  Frelinghuysen,  New  Jersey. 


VICE  5RESIDBNTS, 


Rev.  Ashbel  Green,  D.D.,  Philad. 
Hon.  John  Cotton  Smith,  Sharon, 
Conn. 

Rev.  Alexander  Proudfit,  D.D. 

Rev.  Robert  Semple,  Virginia. 

Rt.  Rev.  Alexander  V.  Griswold, 
Bishop  of  the  Eastern  Diocess. 

Rev.  James  Milnor,  D.D,  New  York. 

Rev.  William  M'Kendree,  Bishop  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Rev.  Joshua  Soule,  Bishop  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.D.,  Lee,  Mass. 

Rev.  Francis  Wayland,  D.D.,  Pre- 
sident  Brown  University,  R.  I. 

Rt.  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  D.  D., 
Bishop  of  the  Diocess  of  Ohio. 

Rev.  Henry  B,  Bascom,  Pres.  Ma- 
dison Colleg-e,  Pa, 

Rev.  Benjamin  Mortimer,  N.  York. 

Rev.  John  Stanford,  New  York. 

Hon.  WilHam  Jay,  New  York. 

ReVo  Philip  Milledoler,  President 


Rutgers  College,  New  Bruns- 
wick, N.  J. 
Rev.  Lucius  Bolles,  D.  D.  Salem, 
Mass. 

Col.  Morgan,  U.  S.  Army. 
Rev.  Dr.  Fishback,  Kentucky, 
Capt.  Chas.  C.  B.  Thompson,  U.g 
Navy. 

Hon.  Albion  K.  Parris,  Portland,  Me. 
Hon.  N.  W,  Howell,  Canandaigua, 
N.  Y, 

Joseph  Nourse,  Esq.  Washington 
City. 

Francis  S,  Key,  Esq.  Georgetovv^n, 
D.  C. 

John  Griscom,  LL.  D.,  New  York. 
Rev.  J.  G.  Schmucker,  D.  D.  York, 
Penn. 

Gen.  John  H.  Cocke,  Fluvanna  co. 

Virginia. 
Gov.  Butler,  Vermont. 
H»n.  Thomas  S.  Grimke,  S.  C. ,  , 
Hon,  Thomas  M'Creeiv,  Penn,  / 


SECRETARIES. 

Mr.  Lewis  Tappaiij  Corresponding  Secretary.    Mr.  Knowles  Taylor,  Re- 
cording Secretary.     Mr.  Arthur  Tappan,  Treasurer. 

DIRECTOES. 

Hon.  Sami.  Mijes  Hopkine,  Albany.  Hon.  Roger Minot  Sherman, Fairfield. 
Rev.  David  Porter,  D.  D.,  Catskill.  Conn. 

Rev.  Nath&n  Bangs,  D.  D.  Hon.  Charles  Marsh,  Vermont. 

Mr.  George  Suckley.  Robert  Ralston,  Esq.  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Elijah  Pierson.  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith. 

Mr.  .John  H,  Hill.  Rev.  Dr.  Aydelot,  Cineinnati. 

Mr.  John  D.  Keese.  Rev.  J.  H.  Church,  D.  D.,  Pelham, 

Dr.  J.  C.  Bhss.  N.  H. 

Dr,  D.  M.  Reese.  Rey.  Dr.  Rice,  Union  Th.  Sem.  Va. 

Rev.  J.  J.  Matthias.  Rev.  Dr.  Wylie,  Washington,  Penn. 

Rev.  C.  G.  Sorrtmers.  William  G.  Pendleton,  Esq.,  Rich- 
Rev.  Thomas  De  Witt,  D.  D.  mond,  Virginia. 

Rev.  Henry  Chase,  Capt.  Charles  W.  Skinner,  U.  S.  N. 

Mr.  B.  Badgor.  Hon.  Williamson  Dunn,  Crawforde- 
Rey.  William  A.  Hallock.  ville,  Indiana. 

Hon.  Fred.  T.  Nash,  N.  Carolina.  Lieut.  Benjamin  Page,  jun.,  U.  S.  N. 

Dr.  John  Stearns^  N.  Y.  Mr.  Frederick  Erringer,  Philadelphia. 

Rev.  Lyman  Beecher,  D.D.,  Boston.  Rev.  Chas.  P.  M'llvaine,  BrooklyB, 
Mr.  Josiah  Bissell,  jr.  Rochester,       N.  Y. 

N.  Y.  Mr.  Moses  Allen,  N.  Y. 
Thomas  Bradford,  jun.  Esq.  Phila. 

BXECTJTIVS  COMMITTHE. 

Dr.  John  Stearns.  Mr  Elijah  Piersoc, 

Dr.  D.  M.  Reese.  Mr.  B.  Badger. 

John  Griscom,  LL.  D.  Mr.  Lewis  Tappan. 

Dr.  James  C.  Bliss.  — —   = 


MONEYS  RECEIVED  BY  THE  TREASURER. 
Hon.  Wm  .lay,  -f:iO.  Dr.  John  Watts,  jr.  $25.  Hon.  T.  Frelinghuysen, 
f  20.  Berkshire  Auxiliary,  $10.  Mr.  John  Lawson,  $5.  Rev.  M.  Wil- 
liston,  f  1.  Same,  $5,  S.  M.  Hopkins,  Esq.  $3,  Hon.  Charles  Marsh, 
$3.  Rev,  Mr,  Galkudet,  $3.  Mr.  Arthur  Tappan,  $50.  "  A  friend  to 
the  Sabbath  cause,"  #3.  Mr,  R.  Baird,  50  cents.  Mr.  E.  Piatt,  $2.  Rev. 
M.  P.  Squier,  ^5.  Dr.  John  Stearns,  $5.  Mr.  K.  Taylor,  $5.  Mr.  L. 
Tappan,  $10.  H.  Holden,  Esq.  $5.  Tho.  De  V/itt,  d.  d.  $5.  J.  R. 
Wilson,  $5.  R.  W.  Condit,  $3.  J.  W.  Adams,  $2.  Jos.  Mc  Carrell. 
$2.  James  T.  Ostron,  ^2.  Robert  Denniston,  $2.  J.  Cogswell,  $2.  A 
friend,  25  cts.  A.  Pktt,  il.  S=  Eggleston,  $1,  O.  Wetmore,  $1.  W. 
F.  Winchell,  50  cents.  E.  D,  K.,  $1  Cash,  $1.  A.  T.  C,  $1.  Cash, 
$1.  Same,  $1.  Dr.  James  C.  Bliss,  $10.  W.  B.,  $1.  Mr.  Eaton,  $2; 
S.  Dickereon,  75  cents.  .  , 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 


GENERAL  UNION  FOR  PROMOTING  THE  OBSERVANCE  OF 


THE  CHRISTIAN  SABBATH. 


Article  I.  This  Society  shall  be  denominated  "  The  General 
Union  for  Promoting  the  Observance  of  the  Christian  Sab- 
bath." 

I      Art.  11.    It  shall  consist  indiscriminately  of  the  friends  of  morality 
I  and  religion,  of  all  denominations,  who  may  choose  to  combine  their 
influence  for  the  promotion  of  this  interesting  object. 

Art.  III.    As  the  weapons  of  the  Christian  warfare  are  not  car- 
nal, but  spiritual,  the  great  moans  employed  by  this  Society  for  etfect- 
ing  their  design,  shall  be  the  influence  of  personal  example^  of  moral 
I  suasion,  with  arguments  drawn  from  the  oracles  of  God,  from  the 
1  existing  laws  of  our  country,  appeals  to  the  consciences  and  hearts 
1  of  men,  and  fervent  supplications  to  the  Lo^d  of  the  Sabbath. 
I      Art.  IV.    The  Union  shall  annually  elect  a  Board  of  Directors, 
1  consisting  of  a  President,  Vice  Presidents,  a  Corresponding  Secreta- 
i  ry,  a  Recording  Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  and  at  least  twenty-four 
I  Managers,  eight  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 
I      Art.  V.    The  Board  of  Directors  shall  annually  elect  an  Execu- 
1  tive  Committee,  to  consist  of  not  less  than  five,  nor  more  than  nine 
1  members,  who  shall  conduct  the  business  of  the  Society,  and  make 
1  an  annual  report  to  the  Society  of  their  proceedings.    The  Board 
shall  have  power  to  fill  vacancies  which  may  occur  in  the  list  of  Offi- 
cers  or  in  the  Executive  Committee. 

Art.  VI.  Any  person  may  become  a  member  of  this  Union  who 
shall  contribute  to  its  funds,  and  promise  to  sanctify  the  Sabbath. 

Art.  VII.  Any  Society  formed  for  promoting  the  sanctification 
of  the  Sabbath  may  become  auxiliary  to  this  Union,  by  sending  to 
the  Corresponding  Secretary  a  copy  of  its  Constitution  and  Annual 
Reports. 

Art,  VIII.  The  Officers  of  each  Society  shall  be  ex-officio  Di- 
rectors ;  and  the  members  of  each  auxiliary  shall  be  recognized  as 
members  of  the  Parent  Institution,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  dehberate 
and  vote  in  the  transaction  of  its  concerns. 

Art.  IX.  This  Society  shall  hold  its  Annual  Meeting  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  on  the  Tuesday  immediately  preceding  the  second 
Thursday  in  May,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  no  alteration  shall  be 
made  in  its  Constitution,  except  at  an  annual  meeting,  and  by  a  vote 
of  two  thirds  of  the  members  present. 


Date  Due 

— 1 

JPiV  

^EC  7  m 

 1 

Form  335— 40M— 6-39— S 


_   CALL  NUMBER 

Vol. 

/ 

m 

Date  (for  periodical) 

2<iU 

Copy  No. 

JUL  14  1971 


i-SSA  1821-59 


